“Coffee is bad for you. Don’t drink it.”
“Coffee has so many health benefits!
Here are all the reasons why you should be drinking it.”
Wait, is coffee bad for you or good for you?
Depending on what studies you read or information you collect… yes.
You can find plenty of information saying coffee is bad for you due to its acidity, the presence of mycotoxins and pesticides, and its addictive nature.
Annnnd, you can find plenty of information touting its health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain skin cancers, diabetes, and Alzheimers.
So, should YOU drink it? That’s up to you!
If you’re like me and the thought of life without coffee makes you want to cry, here are a few tips I’ve collected over the years to make that morning cup of Joe a little better for you. *Please note these are complete Kristin-ology! Do your own research to decide what is best for YOU
- If possible, choose fair trade organic coffee. Fair trade ensures you’re supporting a reputable company and they often have better quality coffee beans. Organic means you won’t have nearly the amount of pesticides in your coffee – always a good thing! Coffee beans are notorious for being laden with pesticides and chemicals so any measure you can take to reduce this is a high five for your body. If you want to go a step further and get even healthier coffee, try cold-processed coffee. Upgraded is a brand I have tried and really like – I’ve also heard good things about Organo Gold but don’t personally have experience with it. There is research showing that coffee high in polyphenols is especially beneficial but I haven’t dug too deep into this yet- if you like to research, this is something else you can look in to!
- What’s in your coffee? Or rather, what do you put in it? Are you a hardcore black coffee drinker (and if so, HOW do you do that?!) or is your coffee always dressed up? If you like your java sweet and creamy, there are so many healthier options out there than creamers full of sugar, corn syrup, and artifical flavors! It took me a while to get used to coconut milk but now I love it! I like to add some vanilla bean paste and a small amount of maple syrup for sweetness. If you don’t like coconut milk, there are other options like almond or other nut milks, raw cream from grassfed cows (Jersey or Guernsey or A2 milk), or even Bulletproof coffee (this is best hot and I like it with coconut oil and Kerrygold butter). Try adding a drop or two of a Young Living vitality oil, like Cinnamon Bark or Peppermint, to take it to the next level.
- If you’re concerned about acidity, you can add a pinch of dried cardamom or a pinch of baking soda to your coffee to help alkalize it. It works! You can even test the pH of the coffee before and after as a fun little science experiment.
- One of the main issues I see with coffee is the sheer amount we drink here in the U.S. I wonder if that is part of why it’s gotten such a bad rap. Ask yourself: is it the coffee you want or the cream and sweetener in it (I know, the truth hurts sometimes!)? If it’s mainly the sweetener you’re after, why? Your body is asking for something. Listen to it! In our fast-paced society it’s easy to rely on stimulants to make it through the day. But slapping a band-aid on a body that is asking for help won’t do you any favors (not that I’ve done that before or anything!). Do you find yourself in a cycle of craving carbs or sugar to give you an extra boost and then crashing? You might need to be kinder to your blood sugar (more protein or healthy fats at each meal, eat regularly, etc.). Do you always struggle with energy? Your body might be asking for more sleep or your adrenals could be asking for help. It’s worth it to take the time to listen to your body and do everything you can to help support it. Usually, if we are honest, it’s pretty easy to see where we are not choosing the best.
- For anyone looking for an alternative to coffee, have you heard of Ningxia Red? The energy it provides doesn’t come from caffeine, sugar, and stimulants, but from a flood of nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body due to the addition of Young Living essential oils. Studies show we absorb nutrients 60-80% more efficiently with the addition of essential oils. The high antioxidant profile of Ningxia Red helps support EVERY system in the body and it’s filled with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help fill in gaps you may have if you’re not getting your 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. If you’re already a Young Living member, you get wholesale pricing and an even bigger discount if you get it on your Essential Rewards order! If you’re not a member yet, you can become one here. I love helping people switch out products they use for cleaner, healthier alternatives!
Another coffee alternative you might enjoy if you want more of a substitute is Teeccino tea. It doesn’t taste exactly the same as coffee – it is much milder in taste – but it’s stronger than regular tea so as long as you’re not expecting the full-bodied flavor of coffee, it makes a good substitute.
- This is kind of a repeat but again, listen to your body! Your body is unique, your needs are unique, and what is good or bad for someone else may not necessarily be good or bad for you. I hope these tips are helpful and that if you decide to drink coffee, you find a way you love to drink it that is kind to you. And don’t forget to listen to the clues your body is giving you! It’s the only body you have and it’s what will enable you to carry out the purpose you were created for on this earth!
There are no affiliate links in this post.